Match Information:
GIANTS v Tigers
Saturday, September 16 at 1:05pm
Blacktown International Sportspark | Darug Country
State of Play:
The GIANTS
The GIANTS are searching for their maiden win of the season after following up their tough five-point loss to the Swans in round one with a promising but inconsistent performance against the Demons on Sunday.
After a positive opening three terms the GIANTS were just five goals down and within striking distance of the reigning premiers on Sunday before the Demons surged home with a blistering seven goal to none final term to register a 77-point win.
Ahead of the clash with Richmond on Saturday, GIANTS coach Cam Bernasconi said his side would need to value the contested side of their game across four quarters if they were a chance to tame the Tigers at Blacktown.
In good news, a number of GIANTS found form against the Demons, with Nicola Barr (24 touches, four tackles), Tarni Evans (20 touches, 11 rebound 50s), and Bec Beeson (19 disposals, five tackles) all performing well.
Trusty midfield duo Alyce Parker (20 touches, eight tackles) and Alicia Eva (19 touches, a goal, four tackles) were also key contributors and will be looking to continue their great individual starts to the season against the Tigers in Blacktown.
The Opposition
The Tigers will enter the clash with the GIANTS with one win and one loss in a pair of mixed performances to open the season.
In a thrilling round one encounter in Ipswich, Richmond was tied with the Lions with five minutes left to play until Tigers debutant Caitlin Greiser kicked a match-winning goal from 40m out to guide her side to a nail-biting 6.4 (40) to 5.4 (34) victory.
The Tigers were unable to replicate the performance the following week however as they fell 29 points short to Adelaide at Ikon Park.
After starting off the stronger of the two sides in blistery conditions, leading 2.0 (12) to 1.1 (7) at the first break, the Tigers were left merciless over the final three terms as the Crows kept them scoreless while piling on 34 points of their own.
Despite the loss, Tigers star Monique Conti continued her blistering start to the season to finish with 29 disposals, 10 clearances and 340 metres gained in another dominant performance.
Recent History:
You don’t have to go back far for the last time the two sides clashed, with the GIANTS finishing off the pre-season on a high after defeating the Tigers in a practice match on the eve of the season.
After trailing at the final change at Blacktown International Sportspark, the GIANTS produced a four-goal final quarter to register an impressive 16-point win over last year’s semi-finalists.
Meanwhile, the last time the clubs faced off for premiership points it was the Tigers who roared to a 43-point win.
Monique Conti starred for the Tigers, with the silky midfielder kicking three goals to go along with a game-high 23 touches in wet and windy conditions as Richmond registered a 9.4 (58) to 2.3 (15) win in Mildura.
Making the most of a strong breeze, the Tigers dominated the opening term, registering 13 inside 50s to the GIANTS zero on their way to a 26-point quarter -time lead to set up the comfortable win.
Alyce Parker (18 disposals, one goal) was the clear standout for the GIANTS in the loss.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
Zarlie Goldsworthy is quickly showing she’s a star of the future, with the talented 18-year-old rewarded during the week with a 2023 AFLW Rising Star nomination for her standout performance against the Demons on Sunday.
Goldsworthy finished with 18 disposals (nine contested), four marks, six tackles, three inside 50s and three clearances in just her 10th AFLW game.
Averaging 14 disposals, five clearances and four tackles across the first two rounds, the dynamic mid-forward will be hoping to continue her meteoric rise with another strong performance against the Tigers on Saturday.
In the Mix:
A number of GIANTS will put their hand up for inclusion this week while several others are looking to prove their fitness in a bid to face the Tigers.
After being a late withdrawal against the Demons with a calf injury, Annalyse Lister will face a fitness test for this weekend’s match, while Madison Brazendale (ankle) and Teagan Germech (thumb) will also be tested following injuries sustained against Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Emily Pease and Isabel Huntington could both be available for selection after making successful returns through a scrimmage match in Sydney on Saturday.
GIANTS Academy youngster Tess Cattle and experienced campaigner Jasmine Grierson could also come into contention after being named as emergencies last week.
Emerging young defender Isadora McLeay is also pressing her claims for a debut following her successful ACL rehabilitation.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their round three team at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Tigers here.
Where to Watch:
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 1pm on Saturday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS’ brand new Instagram account, @GIANTS_AFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2023!
